MQ Recommends

For classic McGraw lovers, there's plenty to love about his newest album. But "Let It Go" extends beyond McGraw's typical sound, offering a range of styles including the almost-R&B song "Suspicions." With such variety, this is one of those rare albums that can be played from start to finish over and over again. And you can forget the "skip" button - each song adds a bit of flavor. - Nicole Paitsel

Thank you, Great Britain, for Lily Allen. Her witty, bouncing bursts of melody and spirit represent the perfect antidote to snooze-worthy radio pop. Whether scolding a pothead brother ("Alfie") or musing on the seedy underside of beautiful London town ("LDN"), Allen's songs are deliciously catchy and wickedly funny. A sharp tongue dances behind that sweet smile. While I wouldn't want to be her ex-boyfriend, I'm glad to call myself a fan. - Sam McDonald

There isn't anything incredibly new or different about "Pocket Symphony" to separate it from Air's previous releases. However, France's favorite electronic duo delivers another beautiful, lush, mellow musical escape. "Pocket Symphony" may not be a booty shaker, but it's a lovely soundtrack for the rainy afternoons and romantic evenings. ­ - Maria Thomas

Tracey Thorn "Out of the Woods"

Naturally, fans of Everything But the Girl's Tracey Thorn (sans Ben Watt) will be thrilled to hear her solo work. What's better is that this album can serve as a worthy introduction for newcomers to both her talent as a vocalist and songwriter. "It's All True" and "Grand Canyon" are two excellent examples. You might not love the album on the first listen, but by the second or third you'll be grateful to her and eager for more. - Stephen H. Cowles

Miranda Lambert "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"

On her debut album "Kerosene," Miranda Lambert walked an uncomfortably fine line between spit-polished Nashville pretty girl and real-deal country singer-songwriter. Lambert doesn't firmly plant a foot in either camp on her new disc, but she does show off some top-notch songwriting chops (check out the straight-up country weeper "Love Letters" or the sweet-but-cynical single "Famous in a Small Town.") Her choice in covers is pretty impeccable, too: "Dry Town," a song by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, is an album highlight. Truth is, I can't stop listening to this. - Joe Atkinson

Jarvis Cocker "Jarvis"

Jarvis Cocker, the former front man of Pulp, the guy who wrote the indestructible classic "Common People," the guy who once sang "I am not Jesus, but I have the same initials," comes up roses on his solo debut. Pop is the word here. You can't help but sing along to "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time." And don't even bother telling me the "Crimson and Clover" sample in "Black Magic" isn't one of the coolest things you've heard all year. Oh, and be sure to stick around for the hidden track "Running the World." Like "Common People," it's a pop epic with serious fangs. - Joe Atkinson

I dare you to listen to this song and not want to get up and dance -- or mosh. You can't! It's too good! The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it the perfect summer song to blast with your car windows down. - Blaire Price

In typical Paisley fashion, the first single off his upcoming album "5th Gear" CD centers on his desire to take a woman "way back in the sticks" for a kiss. A little psycho? No way. I assure you his intentions are pure. He just wants to check her for ticks. I don't see anything wrong with that. "You never know where one might be." - Blaire Price

Mims "This is Why I'm Hot"

It's got one of those hot beats that sound like the half dozen that came before it. He doesn't say much; he mostly just talks about how great he thinks he is. The phrasing is the key here, though. It's what makes the chorus so much fun. It's also why I get such a chuckle out of randomly text messaging my brother, "I'm hot 'cause I'm fly/you ain't 'cause you not/this is why, this is why, this is why I'm hot." - Lisa B. Deaderick

Oh, Gwen, you are my hero! She is a 30-something, married mother who rocks the house in tiny supercute outfits surrounded by tiny supercute Japanese girls. She is an uncompromising and yet totally uncontroversial songwriter, fashion designer and entrepreneur. You can now see her shake her stuff and look cute in your living room. Oh, and you can see her shake her stuff in live at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater on May 15. - Maria Thomas